An Anmatyerre speaker, Kathleen Petyarre's traditional country is Atnangkere, an important soakage on the western boundary of Utopia station, which on account of the abundance of food it provided, was keenly sought out by neighbouring Eastern Arrernte groups.

Kathleen is a talented and focused artist who takes pride in her work and makes every effort to ensure that all of her work presented is of the highest quality. Kathleen melds together the earthy and timeless perceptions associated with her culture. This interaction is seen and felt through the rigorous high standard she sets for herself.

Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming depicts the pattern of the lizards skin that is used as a camouflage. Not only does the pattern of the skin change, but also the colour as it blends into the environment making it virtually invisible. These colours and markings are also used for ceremonial Body paint Designs.

Mountain Devil Dreaming is especially important to Kathleen Petyarre, as this story is passed down to her from her Grandfather’s side, which makes her the custodian and is also a strong family Dreaming.

Many of the Petyarre family bear markings on their skin, similar to that found on the thorny lizard, and which medical science has no explanation for.